MSNBC executives are searching for a star to replace Keith Olbermann, who quit abruptly last week, and a network source says Alec Baldwin is at the top of their list.

The insider reports: "He's already part of the NBC family, has a huge fan base and is very respected for his long term passions for politics." Alec recently said he's "very, very interested" in entering politics, and hosting a political show may be the perfect way to make the transition. [Popeater]

Scarlett Johansson went out to dinner recently with Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte, and another woman. Obviously, this means ScarJo and Sudeikis are dating. "It definitely looked like a double date!" says an eyewitness. "Scarlett and Jason were flirting and making lots of eye contact. He reached across the table twice to grab her hand." [Life & Style]

ScarJo's rep says, "The part they chose not to run was this: "Scarlett is not dating Jason nor is she dating anyone for that matter'. It was just friendly outing amongst friends." [Celebuzz]

Teen Mom stars Amber Portwood and Gary Shirley have been violating their no contact order. Their bonehead relatives have been fighting it out on a pro-Amber Facebook page and her brother wrote, "I was with Gary last night and he said some hateful stuff to her." [Radar]

Rosie O'Donnell defended Teen Mom, which she watches with her 13-year-old daughter. "I think the fantasy for adopted children is to have a baby of their own, and then keeping it, which their mother did not do," she said. "At the end of almost every episode the mothers say they wish they used protection or waited, 'My whole life is over,' or 'I can't live the life of a teenager.' I think it sends out a positive message." [Us]

Dr. Conrad Murray pled not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. [TMZ]

Katie Holmes' new film Son of No One bombed at Sundance. Several people left before it was over and a source says, "When Katie showed up on screen, there was a collective groan. She plays the wife of a Queens' cop and she was completely miscast. They have her cursing a lot. And when she swore, there were chuckles." [Us]

Former Miss Teen Arkansas USA Megan Burgess, who was arrested last weekend for public intoxication, says is "mortified" and "sorry if I brought any shame on my state." [TMZ]

NeNe Leakes' step-son Damian Leakes complained to Radar that she's disowned his side of the family, and he'd like to work through the pain on a spin-off TV show. [Radar]

Kelsey Grammer is developing some reality shows, but it's unclear if he'll star in them. [Us]

Oprah didn't give her dad a heads up before revealing that she has a long-lost half-sister on yesterday's show. Vernon Winfrey said in a radio interview, "I intend to call Vernita and tell her to hold her head-up high because she has done nothing to feel ashamed of and she is a loving kind of person." [Radar]

And now, the obligatory Oscar nomination reactions. Says James Franco: "I'm actually really excited to be hosting because it will take my mind off all the awards stuff even though I will probably be dripping with sweat from head to toe the whole show from the nerves." [Variety]

Colin Firth is "currently celebrating with my colleagues three feet above the ground. Not used to this much joy, or this much champagne at this hour." [Hollywood Reporter]

Hailee Steinfeld: "It's something I dreamed about my whole life. It's so amazing to finally be here." [Hollywood Reporter]

Aaron Sorkin: "I will keep reminding myself I'm the same schmuck I was last night when I went to
bed." [Hollywood Reporters]

Natalie Portman: "I am so honored and grateful to the Academy for this recognition. It is a wonderful culmination of the ten-year journey with Darren to make this film. Making Black Swan is already the most meaningful experience of my career, and the passion shown for the film has completed the process of communication between artists and audience. I am so thankful for the support we have received and I share this honor with the entire cast and crew of the film, especially Darren Aronofsky." [Us]

Facebook's reponse to Jesse Eisenberg's nomination: "We've said all we're going to say about the movie and the books. We've moved on from this discussion, and we think others have too." [Hollywood Reporter]